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FGCU Invites the Public to Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw March 28; Reception to Follow Ceremony3/26/2008

FORT MYERS, FL - Florida Gulf Coast University invites the public to the installation of its third president, Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw, 1 p.m., Friday, March 28 in Alico Arena on campus. Immediately following the ceremony, President and Mrs. Jo Bradshaw will greet guests at the inaugural reception in the Auxiliary Gymnasium at Alico Arena.

The FGCU Foundation budgeted $75,000 for this event. From this budget, the University is donating a full four-year tuition scholarship to a deserving student from Palm Beach County, Bradshaw's home county.

This academic convocation will include a procession of trustees, faculty, delegates from colleges and universities from across the nation, FGCU alumni and international flag bearers in academic regalia, and an address by President Bradshaw. State and local officials will be in attendance to bring greetings to the new president. Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp is scheduled to participate as well as Chancellor of the State University System of Florida Mark Rosenberg, Board of Governors Chair Carolyn Roberts and Lee County Commissioner Franklin B. Mann.

President Bradshaw will deliver the inaugural address and share his vision for taking FGCU forward in the face of an economic downturn. The speech will introduce the public to the new FGCU leader. The inauguration event will draw community leaders as well as the general public interested in the future of higher education in this region. To date 1,100 seats are confirmed, leaving 900 available for the public.

The inauguration of a new president is an opportunity to celebrate the University's past achievements and look forward to the incoming era symbolized by the inaugural ceremony. "The day is as much about Florida Gulf Coast University as it is about its new leader, Wilson G. Bradshaw," says Steve Magiera, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FGCU Foundation. "We are always pleased to invite the community to campus and showcase our facilities and programs. It is especially gratifying now as we begin our second decade with a new leader."

"The inauguration of a president ushers in an exciting new era," said Audrea Anderson, associate vice president of Advancement and, who chairs the inauguration committee. "All units of the University will participate in hosting our guests on campus and officially welcoming the new president. Through the inaugural address, we learn much about the new president's vision for the institution and how he plans to accomplish his goals."

Music during the program will be performed by the Naples Philharmonic Brass Quintet and the University Orchestra conducted by Professor Rod Chesnutt. "The Eagle Presidential Salute" is a work written by founding director of Music Nancy Cobb-Lippens to announce the entrance of the president of FGCU on ceremonial occasions. The short work will be premiered at the ceremony in honor of President Bradshaw. The University choir is joined by a number of FGCU faculty and staff on this special occasion.

Included in the program is the inaugural poem, "The Eagle," written by poet and musician W. Jack Crocker, retired FGCU academic administrator, in honor of President Bradshaw and his installation as the third president of FGCU.

Bradshaw began his tenure at FGCU November 13, after University Board of Trustees unanimously elected him as president on August 25.

FGCU is issuing tickets for this event. These free tickets are available at the door at the time of the event.

For more information, media representatives should contact Anderson at (239) 590-1083.